UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 94

This question tests indian birds. The key concept is: Ceylon frogmouth, coppersmith barbet, gray-chinned minivet and white-throated redstart are all bird species. Their names may appear unfamiliar, but their taxonomic classification is Aves rather than primates, reptiles or amphibians. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option A. Option A — Birds: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Ceylon frogmouth, coppersmith barbet, gray-chinned minivet and white-throated redstart are all bird species. Their names may appear unfamiliar, but their taxonomic classification is Aves rather than primates, reptiles or amphibians. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option B — Primates: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Ceylon frogmouth, coppersmith barbet, gray-chinned minivet and white-throated redstart are all bird species. Their names may appear unfamiliar, but their taxonomic classification is Aves rather than primates, reptiles or amphibians. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — Reptiles: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Ceylon frogmouth, coppersmith barbet, gray-chinned minivet and white-throated redstart are all bird species. Their names may appear unfamiliar, but their taxonomic classification is Aves rather than primates, reptiles or amphibians. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — Amphibians: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Ceylon frogmouth, coppersmith barbet, gray-chinned minivet and white-throated redstart are all bird species. Their names may appear unfamiliar, but their taxonomic classification is Aves rather than primates, reptiles or amphibians. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option A is the verified answer.